In the words of Beyoncé, it’s a renaissance! More timely words have never been spoken, as the dawn of the pandemic and the rise of the streaming era created new opportunities for minority content creators and ushered in a renaissance of Black music, art, literature, and perhaps most excitingly—Black television. The days of just one television show with grossly inaccurate and caricatured portrayals of Black characters dominating mainstream television are gone. Increasingly, black viewers are gaining more opportunities to consume genuine television content with meaningful and positive representation that is not only for us but by us too. So without further ado, here are three new Black AF shows that you should absolutely check out:
Bust Down, 2022 (Peacock)
The brand new comedy co-created and co-starring Langston Kerman, Chris Redd, Sam Jay, and the recently deceased Jak Knight premiered on Peacock in March of this year. The show follows four friends working various deadend jobs at the Diamondback Casino in Gary, Indiana, as they navigate work drama and their own tumultuous personal lives. Whilst a comedy, the show still explores various complex themes such as sexual harrassment within the workplace, the Black church and homosexuality, job instability and economic mobility, and much more. Throughout the group’s various hairbrained ideas and adventures, together they try to find self-worth amongst the meaninglessness of their lives.
A rare gem–the show does extremely well covering dark topics whilst keeping scenes both hilarious and light-hearted. Whilst some comedies struggle and fall flat when bridging politics or controversy, this comedy soars, undoubtedly due to the unique satirical perspectives obviously influenced by the co-creators own personal identities. Chock full of Black pop cultural and political references, perfectly timed one liners, and purposeful representation, this show is an absolute must add to your watchlist. Don’t walk, run to go stream it.
Flatbush Misdemeanors, 2021 (Showtime)
This gritty comedy follows the lives of childhood best friends Dan, a high school teacher, and Kev, a struggling artist, as they live together and struggle to make ends meet in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Each 30 minute long episode is jam-packed with hilarity, chaos, and drama, and is sure to leave viewers yearning for more. Like all great comedies, there are intermediate moments of seriousness, such as Dan’s constant struggle with addiction and Kev’s owed debt to a neighborhood gangster, but the drama is expertly woven with satire to make an astounding work.
Outside of that, the comedy also explores complex issues that are present in cities nationwide, such as gentrification, crime, public education, housing, and much more. The main character’s constant escapades are sure to entrap you from the first episode, you won’t regret watching.
Rap Sh!t, 2022 (HBOMAX)
Already renewed for a second season, Rap Sh!t, one of HBOMAX’s newest releases, needs to be at the top of your viewing list. The new show, created by media mogul Issa Rae, is the creator’s most recent television endeavor since the award-winning Insecure. The scripted drama, co-executive produced by none other than the rap supergroup The City Girls, takes place in Miami and follows two estranged friends from high school who reunite and rekindle their friendship to form a rap group. Drawing inspiration from both the meteoric rise to fame of The City Girls and an early version of Insecure, the show chronicles the ups and downs of their road on the pursuit to fame.
Following the journey of the two main characters, Shawna Clark, a hotel concierge and scammer, and Mia Knight, a mother and jack-of-all trades hustler, will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions that will undoubtedly leave you rooting for these women’s success. The show is sexy, smart, and hilarious and is sure to have you feeling empowered as you bop along to their musical offerings such as “Seduce and Scheme”. Although not entirely a fairytale as the show covers a myriad of dark topics such as sexual abuse, prostitution, and violence, it is still an uplifting work that will leave you feeling inspired about your ability to accomplish your dreams